Tonan: Archive

[Kaz]

The Archive.

This thread contains the archived storyline information that this game has seen over the years.

Contents:
1.) Maxim Storyline (Canon)
2.) Maxim RP History (Canon)
3.) Maxim Intro to Droben (Canon)
4.) Mortal King Storyline (Canon)
5.) Blurb from Help and Rules Thread (Monarchy 1999)
6.) Blurb from Help and Rules Thread (Monarchy 2000)
7.) Section from Help and Rule Thread concerning Gods (Monarchy)

[Kaz]

As read from the first chapter of the Tismad (see footnote), the birth of our way of life was one of innocent beginnings. This life began from pure devotion and utter faith in what we had formed in our minds as a protecting sect of beings, now known simply as Foret, Isonia, and Darden. The story unfolded differently than we could have imagined, but here we are, in the midst of our own self wrought hell. The following quote describes the creation, the truth, and the betrayal that has led us to our current situation. Please read it carefully, your future depends on your decision.

"The time of the equinox was at hand and the rituals had begun. For years now the path had led us all to this day. The day of coronation, our gods would be revealed to us. This was Creation.

The divulging of their presence had been done by many prophets, guided, unguided, true, and those with only the purest of malice in their hearts. Alas, like wildfire and desire, the stories of the gods grew and multiplied. Now, they were neither true nor false, but a reality carved from belief and hope. Need sprouted them substance while faith gave them power. The gods were no longer content to remain thoughts. They were craving trueness. They were waiting to be born.

To do this, we needed structure. Three groups of four members were selected for their faith and abilities in the arts of magick, which during that day were the arcane arts of meditation and pure channeling. These groups were to be called the Council and would guide us in our worship and devotion from that day forward. That was the Formation.

Each of these groups that made up the Council were to go about bringing their god to life, or more accurately, to immortality with omnipotence. While the task may seem challenging to you, the air was begging to be formed - power was begging to formed and shaped. In short, the faith and devotion had given birth to a new magick. Wild magick was born upon the lands with a force not seen in any storm. This was the force to be molded and contained. This, coupled with the energy of the people's beliefs, would be our salvation. Peace would reign throughout.

The day of Creation came and the needed elements were all present. Their groups slowly brought each of the gods to life. The oceans boiled and the lands heaved, such was the draining force of making a god, each of them unique in their aspects and character.

Foret was born with a smile. His eyes gleaming with the goodness that was his making and his hands held the mighty staff of justice. Pride was his pedestal; he was righteous above all others. He was first born, he was - the eldest. Each of his followers instantly fell in love, aligning himself with his pureness.

Next evolved Isonia. Beautiful Isonia. Her gentle hands grasped the handle of a double-sided battle-axe. The goddess of equality was simply exquisite in her beauty contrasted so brightly with the stark implement of war in her hand. Her eyes displayed a dark brooding sense that portrayed an inner struggle never to truly be won. She ignored Foret and later Darden because to her, they were of no importance. She was the great one, her followers understood immediately that she was the true and only goddess.

Darden the clever one was born with a bowl in his hand. The bowl was hidden from view and many a legend were concocted of its contents. The truth is known alone in this scroll, the bowl was full of despair. The world about him was one of vibrant life and ingenious discovery. Each day a child learning, a baby crawling, a man finding new and better ways, and this was his world. The despair came from their constant deaths, so quick to claim a newborn or an innocent. No rhyme, no reason. His bowl was fabled to become larger, fuller, and darker as time plodded forth. In truth, his despair began to overflow the bowl, causing him to drink from it. The results would be showered amongst his people. They had known him as Darden the caring, and on his good days that still rang true, but on his malignant days, he became known as the Demon of Tismad.

There was a period of pure peace that reigned. It was immeasurable, as are the good deeds that were done during that time. But all things change. All things evolve - as we beings die and are reborn, so do worlds and gods. In this case, the change was not our fault, but because of us.

The Council had changed hands many times, the legends becoming fact and facts becoming legends so many times that no one knew the truth any longer. Not until key scrolls were unearthed in a lock box in Tismad did we know all of this. It is to late to stop this tragedy but not to late to understand the truth behind it.

Foret had begun to notice that the people were so used to peace, so used to love, and so used to tranquility and contentment that they no longer knew what life without it was. They had never seen evil, or its more gentle signs, lies and greed. He could feel his power slowly draining into the void again, the need that had created it had been used and now he was no longer needed.

He was not alone, for both Isonia and Darden were experiencing the same in their own ways. Each of them became uneasy, as this discovery became the truth; their power was waning. Unbeknownst to the others, each of them began the plans for a growth in power. Each of them was finding ways to survive this certain death. It was known to the gods that in the wars before the current peace, the souls of those killed were given unto the god of the one who killed them. At the time, this had meant nothing, as the gods were not out for personal vengeance, but for peace. Now it meant another thing quite entirely.

The first death, what is now called the Simple Sin, occurred when a follower of Foret was manipulated into murdering a follower of Darden over a woman. The rage spread through the realms as the gods fed the fuel for their own selfish needs. The Last Sin was the true breaking of the gods' unity. It is the first clash known to us and involved all three. They were seen directly battling over the skies of Tismad. Their energy pouring forth caused storms, floods, hurricanes and rock slides for weeks. Perhaps a blink of an eye to them, but to us it was devastating. Much of our industry crashed around us and has never been rebuilt. The learning and prosperity that we had enjoyed were mostly gone now. Now, each follower, each fanatic was once again devout. For one thing was certain. Only one god would remain when the death toll was ended."

Now young one, you have the story in its entirety, at least as we know it. There are many legends and much lore about this, I'm sure you were taught these by your family. To the right are three scrolls, each of them containing your sacred oath to the gods. Please choose wisely, for your choice is forever.

Now, read it aloud and become a warrior for the immortal.

(Note 1: Tismad: A city in Tonan; Also the Holy Book written in the Halls of Tismad, thus the name.)

[Kaz]

[Excerpt from a recently published compendium "My Past, Your Present - Hebetude Has Won." Script 5, by Scholar Emu Tinar’s .YC.* 2991]

This excerpt is not intended to be a full history, just a glimpse, as his intent was an overview, not an in depth perusal. If some of the words or references do not make sense, please have your scribe send us word and we will try to release explanations or perhaps request a follow up from Emu Tinar himself. He does have a tendency to ramble, but please forgive us for not removing pieces, as we were not confident in our ability to separate what you should know from the banter of an educated man with too much to tell. Emu’s style is broad and erratic, but his knowledge and insight is invaluable.
(Chairman Publishing Guild, Nika Sim’au)

Since the Last Sin we have lived in terror; each day is now the worst day of our lives. The accounts of suffering and untold tragedy are enough to fill thousands of scrolls and they should be recorded, but today, in this missive, I will be covering some of the differences of the past to now. The Age of Peace that was shattered beyond recovery with the current Age of War.

It has come to my office’s attention that the people, mostly of the peasant class, have forgotten many of the inventions, conveniences, and pleasantries of the past age. Most have not been able to shed the husk of despair and poverty given to them by their new master, Terror. I’ll try covering a broad spectrum of details in a few short paragraphs; so do try to follow the meandering mind of an old man.

Most important is the description of the climate, or perhaps the cause of the climate. Maxim is an island nation surrounded by vast bodies of water. No ship has ever landed on our shores and none of our sea faring vessels have returned after having attempted to go beyond the Sim Reefs. All magickal attempts at leaving, traveling, or portaling out of Maxim have failed miserably, usually with a backlash that our war-mages now suffer on a regular occurrence. Laws were passed against such attempts, and as it became known as Escape Arcania; the act of trying or studying it was punished severely.

Once away from the Islands, the inane magick that is not a gift from the gods’ disappears. Without their (the gods) interference our coast trawlers would be at the mercy of the elements. A true horror that such a mundane world could lie beyond our shores. Perhaps it is best that a people so used to the intrinsic nature of our magick not be subjugated by those who have no use of it, or perhaps worse, those that may fear it to aggression. Idle speculations at best and something more suited for another essay.

The island nation is comprised of hundreds of smaller islands, surrounding a larger main island. The islands are in all directions and are in all sizes and heights. The climates change from almost always below the ice line to well above the bubble point. But what is important, what is a must know, is that we are capable of living and surviving in all of these environments. All of our efforts at eradicating each other exist in all extremes, with that said; we can obviously live together in the same.

Our two moons, Soma and Numi circle our planet once a day. Suma, the larger and blue tinted one always ahead in the night sky by about three fingers. Numi, behaving like a little brother trying not to be noticed to often by its bigger older sister, lingers behind wallowing in its sickly gray tint. Some say our magickal power comes from the moons, but this has not been fully verified and is a source of high contention amongst the most learned of scholars. Yet another topic for another day, we will continue with the original topic.

Our light, the bringer of dawn and father of shadows, Intop rises to the southeast between the peaks of Himna and Portan for those of us blessed to still reside in Tonan, which remains relatively unscathed. It is with humble habit that I force myself to wake before dawn and begin the meditation of old, while waiting for Intop to rise and cast away the last remaining tentacles of darkness. When done with the morning ritual of Skana (the praising the moons and the sun for existing once again, and still) I can finally relax and remember the times of peace that were, what seems at least, to be only yesterdays enjoyment. But the dream that was peace, that lingers so, is something I’ve failed to purge from my old and worm filled memory.

Although most of the permanence of our magickal items has come to an end, there are still rumors of remnants of a greater, earlier time. Grand cathedrals still stand, infused with the power of the gods. These masterpieces are of course not invulnerable, but are capable of being rebuilt and of course transported through various magickal means. They are the source of our history and will continue to see that we are able to have one. The castles of Peace are no longer, but even greater edifices have been built over their ruins. Grandeur never approached before has been overrun and infused with battlements and offensive weaponry. So much of the civilization we once knew has been lost, but as life is, it has evolved and continued.

There are still gypsy’s, still festivals that last for days. In the past the festivals were marked on the Calendar of Creation, now they are remembered mostly in silence. Some are still celebrated as they are of great import and risk the angering of the gods, but I’ve covered that in a missive entitled "Calendar of Creation: Great Days, Better Nights - A way to live by the gods!" The traveling shows and actors have slowed to a trickle yet remain alive! Culture has not been completely abandoned, but instead been transmogrified into a grotesque figure of pallid jokes and raucous celebration. Such can only be expected in times of war, the alternative is apathetic withdrawal - the short stick of two evils.

Traveling has slowed to a crawl. No longer are the Sli-Nau rails operational, most are forgotten. Now the most common means is horse, horse and carriage, and on the back of other beasts (or tamed creatures) that have been purchased or stolen. What used to take minutes, perhaps hours, now takes days and even weeks. With that, news and gossip have become almost one in the same. The SahGlob speaking devices and EyeCee squares have been shattered and the making of such things lost to all but those so old and decrepit that their power and the ability to teach has been forever snuffed. There are scrolls that describe the process, but the magick is of the old world, of the old kind, not the surging wild magick of today’s wars and of today’s mages.

* YC: Year of Creation, the time measured since the existence of the gods.

[Kaz]

[An intercepted letter wrote by Prophet Decae to Count Bitanra concerning a rumor of 'rock people'. The attached drawings were lost in the interception, and we're afraid this is all we have. This letter is available in all of the great libraries. ]
May fortune lift your eyes my friend,

It has been a long time since our last visit; I feel amiss in my lack of attention to those I consider close friends. How is your mother? Last I heard she was recovering from a small case of sickness (of the heart most likely) and was hoped to be recovered by now. Your children, from the libraries and gossipmongers, are doing well for themselves and continue to honor you. Ini has taken the role of eldest son by the bit and carved a swathe through the southern Foret armies, I have sent him a blessing and some soldiers in the hopes they assist him. Your lands are well I hope, I've not heard any dire news concerning Tismad or the surrounding estates.

As you know I was forced into seclusion after my channeling during the Demon invasion, the old magick is a harsh taskmaster it seems. So many elements, with so much power all being channeled with the energy of blood was more than I was used too. The magick of today is such a hung aspect; I wonder how many of the mages who consider themselves grand would do a few hundred years ago. Probably left by the side of the path weeping in fear! Ahh, but I miss our discussions; it is quite difficult to find those of the same history to confide in; especially during these tumultuous times.

I did want to share a small story concerning a rumor that has been circulating the taverns and classes alike, that of the rock people. They are not, in fact, a rumor at all.

I don't have that many details, they are a very skittish people, but I did have the opportunity to help out a small group of them. It seems they live in the underground cavern system of the islands. I'm not sure if they found the caves, or if they made them, as we didn't discuss all that much beyond their current need.

Instead of describing them, I captured images with a small bit of channeling, using the old method of portrait making. I think they turned out well considering my considerable lack at that particular talent. Your youngest, Betha, should have been here to help me. They are a peaceable culture, as we were before the Sins, and seem to be involved almost unknowingly in the conflict. I believe that the gods have finally rooted them out of the caves enough that we will begin to see a much greater amount of their presence. Imagine, a whole new race and culture to study? What an amazing find. I am afraid they will be considered monsters and creatures of the dark, for they are quite hard to look at.

I plan on visiting you within the next few weeks, may the Calendar be kind to you.

P.D


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Ingin

The red rock of the cavern Silan’a is said to be carved from the hardest rock found in the deepest recesses of the earth, Inginite. The beings that bear the name resemble it more than just in color. They stand above an ordinary human by at least four hand spans and their dark reddish brown coloring provides them natural camouflage.

The stalwart soldiers of the race, they move with a slow solid pace, advancing or retreating. This does leave them at a slight disadvantage to the quicker, more agile opponents, but it is easily overcome with their unending persistence and stamina.

Nubash

Unlike their cousin, the Ingins, these creatures were originally crafted for a defensive role. Like an armadillo, they have thick, moving scales that easily cover their body and project around them to provide an almost impervious protection.

A blue-black color blends them into the night and the cold-blooded nature of the creatures, like their cousin the Ingin, makes them almost invisible to infravision. Standing about the same size as a human, they are a very formidable defensive force. They do have difficulty-wielding weapons and thusly, are used almost purely for defensive stances. Their faces, not quite humanoid in shape, have sunken eyesockets and extended cheekbones. Their nose is two slits in the face, covered by a slight porous skin flap.

Bunar

The Bunar are four legged brutes that have evolved into efficient killing machines. Unlike the Centaur, these four-legged beasts have the head at the back end of their body. Using weapons designed specifically for their body shape, these seven feet tall creatures can be the most deadly beasts in a battle.

Opulents

The rumble of earth and the tremble of a wall – it could be an Opulent walking into your room. Standing only eight feet tall, they are mostly lead, heavy, and dumb. Most of their reputation comes from the fact that they never realize their true strength, thus always causing damage, no matter their intentions.

But those that do realize their potential quickly capitalize on it. Massive arms, brutal legs, and the throwing power of a dozen men all add to their arsenal. They can, and have, withstood full armies in the tunnels of Tonan.

Shakes

Have you ever seen a small beetle skitter across the floor; the little legs clattering against the stone, the chitterling of a bone on bone mandibles causing you to wonder what it would feel like to be bitten? Those weren’t Shakes. Shakes are silent. Their eight legs end in soft calloused skin, pudgy at birth and pushed into soft soundless pads through daily walking as a youngling.

Their mandibles protrude three-four inches from their introverted mouth, menacing under the five bulbous eyes set in a circle above it. 360-degree vision and a bite that can sever hands has proven to be a very effective thief’s tool.

[Kaz]

My child,

I fear the legends linger to this day, in our hearts, in our souls. The time of the Gods hangs heavy around the hearts of a people wanting, needing, to believe in something.

Legends of battles, of wars, of valiant and epic sieges that elevate warfare to a pedestal never approached in the reality of our wars. But reality does step in and infringe upon the daydreaming of times of yore, even if today forcefully reminds one of those faint memories of hope and glory.

As you know we live in an Empire divided. Three mortals hold the power of life and death, of the seething undergrounds, and of the pious priests. With a powerful and loyal following, Angelique, Barnabas and Leto, have began the civil war that will finally unite, or destroy, our lands. The prophets tell us of the links to the past. That these are the reincarnated souls of the Gods themselves, in the flesh of the mortals they battled over so long ago. While the rants of the old go on, war and political intrigue have cast a stark shadow across all that we hold dear.

Angelique, the self-proclaimed Queen of Islan, ruled her land with a steady grip. The rule of law permeated every aspect of her method. On occasion, the rumors would speak of harsh responses, oppression and deft cruelty. But with those rumors also came the ringing endorsements of those who believed in the compassion of blind justice.

Raised in an older House of the Empire, a quiet dignity hangs on the shoulders of young Barnabas. Each action taken, each stance held with forethought and a preponderance of the effects on all his subjects. Only a few close advisors have his ear, and with this come opinions of arrogance, untested wisdom, and the impression of being manipulated. On the battlefield however, this grace and steady deliberation is revered, by enemies and soldiers alike.

Leto, the smartest of three, rose to fame in circles not mentioned in polite conversation. An ear to the ground, a man of the people, his following has grown with a deep personal commitment to those around him. The name Leto has a dual edged meaning to many, wild, chaotic, and unpredictable while at the same time conjuring images of a generous, charismatic leader with a penchant for caring for the poor.

Now, after a decade of civil war, and as you are reading my last correspondence, your time has come. Choose quickly. Your life and the lineage of our family depend on this moment."

The servant catches your eye, "Shall I take a note?"

[Kaz]

Olandar, Father of the Gods, was murdered. His eldest son, Barnabas, stands accused of the crime. Hastily sentanced by his brother and sister, Leto and Angelique, Barnabas is disfigured and banished from the heavens. But Angelique and Leto are unable to trust one another and soon the immortal plane is torn assunder by war as each god struggles to win Olandar's crown.

Olandar, Father of the Gods, was murdered. His eldest son, Barnabas, stands accused of the crime. Hastily sentanced by his brother and sister, Leto and Angelique, Barnabas is disfigured and banished from the heavens.

But even with Barnabas banished, there is no peace. Angelique, Goddess of Justice, is unwilling to share her authority with Leto, God of Chaos. Their distrust of each other poisons the gardens. Soon rumors arise linking both of them to Olandar's murder.

Amidst this tremendous upheaval, one among the millions ascends to godhood. Some claim she is a pretender or a usurper, some that she is no deity at all, while still others claim that she is Olandar reborn. Her followers call her Oleana, the Gypsy Queen and the Mother of Earth, the bringer of peace and the one that will end the wars. But her arrival brings with it a new storm of war, for none of the three siblings accept her place among them.

On every world the gods touch, wars begin to erupt. Empires crumble, torn apart by religious differences. New nations arise, bringing forth armies of the faithful, with conquest as their goal.

[Kaz]

Instead of telling you how we envisioned the God's to be, I'd like to share with you the way they have become. The following quote is from one of our more eloquent players responding to a discussion about the God's of Monarchy in Braggart's Hall. Murchad describes how the players actions and words have defined the world of Monarchy.

Quoted from Braggarts Hall 16 Oct 98

"That's right, Pickaxe... the gods are neither good nor evil, and I think they follow the dictates of law and chaos in abstract ways. The Gods are, in essence, abstract. Olandar is the true vision of order and peace through power and faith. His children represent the straying of beliefs, all twisted and lessened in their own way... from a purely secular view these churches were created to represent the growing differences of opinion and ideology among the powerful of the kingdom. They may have been points of theological debate that drove the churches apart, or simple bids for power. Or if you like to take the religious view there really are 3 sibling gods, and when we the lords of the kingdom, being greedy bastards, decided to choose one of the lesser faiths that better represented what we wanted out of life and out of politics, we took our peasants with us and the Father Olandar slowly faded until he was but a strong memory in the minds of an older peace-loving generation, a kind but quiet parent spoken of respectfully in tales told to children.

Theology isn't cut and dry. Theology is perhaps the most nonsensical topic every created for debate... it is 110% guessing and -10% truth. Obviously some people may see contradictions in the way the gods are presented. STD believed Angelique killed and succeeded Olandar because the old fool would have passed the throne on to the power-hungry Barnabas. Romany Reii believes Barnabas killed Olandar as the natural succession process.... the old and decrepit god saw his time and all great dynasties must end with a bang. There are many Letoite guilds who consider Leto to be "the defender" of freedom and free will, and in some ways a crusader against oppression.... of course, all the gods are oppressors once they achieve power, it's the natural course of politics, earthly and heavenly, if there is such a distinction.

Here is something I posted on the Comments folder regarding the gods... this is my interpretation of what was said and what I've learned in my studies of the theme of Monarchy, from it's conception to the modern day.

Angelique: Law, Morality, Fanaticism, Oppression, Charity.
Leto: Chaos, Freedom, Decadence, Arts and Leisure.
Barnabas: Balance, Order, War, Honor Code, Elitism, Status Quo.

But in truth the original explanation may have been simpler and more direct, and Kam's recitation is probably most similar to Neurosis' way back when.

Angelique (Law) - At its best, order, at its worst, oppression
Barnabas (Balance) - At its best, prosperity, at its worst, stagnation
Leto (Chaos) - At its best, freedom, at its worst, chaos

Your interpretation was Moralism, Opportunism, Elitism.... and we all agree. Do you see where they all relate?

Law. At it's best, it is upholding morality and crusading for justice. At its worst, it is forcing such morality upon those who do not subscribe to it. At it's best it can be charity.. at it's worst, oppression.

Chaos... perhaps the most misleading. At it's best it is the struggle for freedom and differentiation. Leto was ever aloof from his siblings and father. At it's worst, he is greed, opportunism, and unpredictability. He can be rallying cry for a breaking or bending of society's rigid structure... he can be a patron of the arts and of leisure. He can also be immorality, both rapid aggression and sloth together in the same entity... he can be decadence, and mob anarchy.

Balance, hard to describe. We do not seek to claim, and never have, that Barnabas is neutrality personified... no more than any have claimed with proof that the other gods are nothing more than chaos or law. At his best he is the god of war... of politics and the status quo of society. He is the old way, upholder of sometimes outdated codes of honor... and he is ABOVE ALL the eldest child, the natural successor to the throne. That does not make him dominant, it makes him static. He is the established order, and it would serve him no purpose to be chaotic when he was, in his opinion, first among three since his conception. At his worst, he is fire... the destruction that even the most honorable warfare brings. He is vengeance, anger, and power. He can be thought of as stregnth and solidity.... elitism, the patron of those who view the world as a stable and ranking place, with themselves at or near its apex. He can also be the deceiver, the stagnant order that is cast down for its perceived evils... the Scarred One, the Fallen Son...

To say Law, Chaos, and Balance... it does no justice to what the gods have been made into by EDC and *most especially* by the actions and writings of players and guilds since the beginning of the game. Alignment doesn't define the gods, but the gods, in their own way, each portray one of those three alignments _better than either of the other two_ are capable of. And that's why such imagery exists."